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Mike Nielsen evidently has a hearing issue. I have never denied trying to keep Taylor Insurance in the health insurance bidding process as long as possible. I do have a personal policy of spending tax dollars locally for goods and services the county needs whenever possible, even if a slight increase in cost is in play, as it makes good sense to me economically and ethically.

My only denial is, that at no time, was bid information of any kind ever shared by me with the Taylors or their staff about the other bids received giving them an unfair advantage. With 12 years of absolutely flawless performance as our broker and being a local business, which I will always support, it just made sense to retain them and Blue Cross health insurance services. Since then we are on our third insurance provider and broker with higher premiums and less coverage for our county employees? All of this with Mr. Nielsen’s influence and leading?

Dan and Elaine Taylor and myself are willing to take a polygraph test to verify this; just name the time a place that’s mutually acceptable.

I also have issue with a lot of detractors blaming me for several other issues which would all require a two-thirds majority vote by a three-person board? I guess I never figured I had that much control.

LEWIS RICH

Sandpoint